OVERVIEW

Advances in Multiple Sclerosis is organized by RnCeus Interactive.

Expiration Date: Nov 14, 2022

Accreditation:
Contact hours - Learners who successfully complete all requirements are eligible to procure a 4.00 contact hour certificate of completion:

Description:
MS is often, but not always, a progressively debilitating disease. It is usually experienced as periods of exacerbation followed by partial remission of symptoms. Affected individuals experience a broad range of symptoms which vary due to the site and extent of the CNS involvement. Symptoms may include temporary or permanent cognitive, sensory and motor deficits that can significantly limit independent activities of daily living.
Historically, during the mid-1880's, Jean Martin Charcot described a disorder characterized by multiple patches or plaques of sclerosed (scarred) areas scattered throughout the CNS (brain, spinal cord and cranial nerves). Modern techniques reveal these plaques as areas of inflammation, demyelination and axonal injury.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the primary tool used to diagnose MS. MRI is able to identify and quantify the multiple round or ovoid lesions which characterize MS. MRI studies have correlated the cumulative volume of affected tissue with prognosis.
Currently there is no way to prevent or cure MS. The goal of multiple sclerosis therapy is to alter its natural course by:
• reducing the frequency and severity of exacerbation
• extending the duration of remission.
• slowing the onset of permanent disability.
These issues and more about the care of the patient with MS are described in depth in the following sections of this course.

Learner Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:
• Describe the epidemiology, incidence, and prevalence of MS.
• Identify the etiology and pathophysiology of MS.
• State 4 disease classifications for MS.
• Assess for the 10 symptoms commonly experienced by persons with MS.
• Explain to patients the diagnostic tests used to establish a diagnosis of MS.
• Teach patients and family factors associated with more favorable and less favorable prognoses in MS.